Training
A cornerstone of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility is educating users to design flow cytometry experiments effectively, operate analytic flow cytometers, and analyze flow cytometry data accurately. Comprehensive training ensures the success and safety of all users and guarantees high-quality data.
Part 1: Introductory Training
This training acquaints users with the basics of flow cytometry and the internal mechanisms of flow cytometers. A solid understanding of the principles of flow cytometry is essential for generating reliable data.
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- Access: Users must create an iLab account to enroll in this training.
- Content: Includes WORK-FLOW’s Flow Cytometry Essentials course. The Spectral Cytometry course is also available.
- Process: Users will receive an email with instructions to access the online training material after submitting a training request via iLab.
- Duration: Offered on-demand, with lifetime access to resources.
Part 2: Instrument-Specific Training
This training is required for each instrument the user wishes to operate and includes hands-on assistance tailored to the instrument and its applications. Each instrument requires an initial training session followed by another appointment within two weeks.
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- Initial Training: 3-hour hands-on training to acquaint you with the hardware and software of the specific instrument.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Within two weeks of initial training, staff will assist users with experiment setup and assess their operation and troubleshooting skills on the instrument.
- Training Protocol: Facility staff must conduct all training sessions; training by other laboratory members is strictly prohibited.
- Independent Access: Access to schedule independently on the instrument calendar in iLabs is given at staff’s discretion based on user’s learning speed. A minimum of 1 follow-up is required, though more may be necessary for satisfactory operation.
- Fee: The training fee can be found on iLabs. The fee encompasses the initial training fee and the first follow-up appointment. If more follow-ups are needed to assess user competency, they will be charged instrument time.
Additional Requirements:
Onboarding consultation with the Core Director is mandatory prior to gaining independent access to instrumentation
Training Process:
- Introductory Training: See Part 1 under Analyzer training. You will be required to complete the Cell Sorting course in addition to the Flow Cytometry Essentials course.
- Initial Training: 3-hour hands-on training to acquaint you with the hardware and software of the instrument. Covers principles of cell sorting, instrument setup, experiment configuration, basic troubleshooting, and instrument shutdown
- Follow-Up Appointment: Within two weeks of initial training, staff will assist users with experiment setup and assess their operation and troubleshooting skills on the instrument.
- Training Protocol: Facility staff must conduct all training sessions; training by other laboratory members is strictly prohibited.
- Independent Access: Access to schedule independently on the instrument calendar in iLabs is given at staff’s discretion based on user’s learning speed. A minimum of 1 follow-up is required, though more may be necessary for satisfactory operation and/or after-hours access.
- Competency Checks: Every trained user will be required to complete a competency check every 6 months to maintain access to the instrument. Staff will sign you up when your initial access has been given. If a competency check is failed, the user will need to be retrained (training fee will apply) and access will be revoked until training is completed.
- Fee: The training fee can be found on iLabs. The fee encompasses the initial training fee and the first follow-up appointment. If more follow-ups are needed to assess user competency, they will be charged instrument time
Additional Requirements:
Onboarding consultation with the Core Director is mandatory prior to gaining independent access to instrumentation